Perry Farrell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Perry Farrell
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Farrell performing in March 2024
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| Born |
Peretz Bernstein
March 29, 1959 Queens, New York, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1981–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Etty Lau
(m. 2002) |
| Children | 3 |
| Musical career | |
| Also known as | DJ Peretz |
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Perry Farrell (born Peretz Bernstein; March 29, 1959) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is often called the "Godfather of Alternative Music" for his big impact on the genre. Farrell started his career in the early 1980s before becoming the lead singer of the famous band Jane's Addiction.
Jane's Addiction became a major band in the 1980s Los Angeles music scene. They mixed punk, metal, and psychedelic rock to create a new and exciting sound. Their energetic live shows helped make alternative music popular with young people who wanted something different.
When Jane's Addiction planned its farewell tour in 1991, Farrell created the famous music festival Lollapalooza. It started as a traveling tour and grew into a huge annual event. Farrell is also the frontman for the band ... for Pyros. He has also released solo albums and worked on other projects like Kind Heaven Orchestra and Satellite Party.
Contents
Early Life
Peretz Bernstein was born in Queens, a part of New York City, on March 29, 1959. He grew up in a Jewish family. His mother was an artist, and his father was a jeweler. When Farrell was three years old, his mother passed away. He later wrote about this sad event in some of his songs.
He spent his early school years in Woodmere, Long Island. Later, his family moved to North Miami Beach, Florida. After graduating from high school, Farrell moved to California to surf and make art. He became interested in music, listening to bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. In California, he also discovered artists like David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
Music Career
Psi Com and the Start of Jane's Addiction
In the early 1980s, Farrell became the lead singer for a post-punk band called Psi Com. During this time, he started using the name Perry Farrell, which is a play on the word "peripheral," meaning on the edge of something.
After Psi Com ended in 1985, Farrell met guitarist Dave Navarro, bassist Eric Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins. Together, they formed Jane's Addiction. The band quickly became famous in Los Angeles for their exciting live shows. They released three popular albums: Jane's Addiction, Nothing's Shocking, and Ritual de lo Habitual. The band decided to split up in 1991 because the members had different ideas about the band's future.
... for Pyros and Reunions
After Jane's Addiction, Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins formed a new band called ... for Pyros. Their first album, released in 1993, was a big hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. The video for their song "Pets" was played a lot on MTV. The band was known for using special effects and props in their live shows.
In 1997, Jane's Addiction got back together for a short tour with Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers on bass. Farrell also released a solo album called Rev in 1999.
New Music and Satellite Party
In 2001, Farrell released another solo album, Song Yet to Be Sung. That same year, he helped make the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival a success by reuniting Jane's Addiction to headline the event. This helped the festival grow into the major event it is today.
Jane's Addiction released a new album, Strays, in 2003. It was very successful and they toured all over the world. The band split up again in 2004.
Farrell then started a new project called the Satellite Party. It was a band and a theatrical show that told a story about a group of musicians trying to change the world. His wife, Etty Lau Farrell, was also part of the project. Their album, Ultra Payloaded, came out in 2007.
Recent Career and Kind Heaven Orchestra
Jane's Addiction reunited again in 2009 for a tour with Nine Inch Nails. They released the album The Great Escape Artist in 2011 and continued to tour.
In 2018, Farrell started a new project called the Kind Heaven Orchestra. His wife Etty was a singer in the band, which also included members from other famous groups. They released the album Kind Heaven in 2019.
In May 2022, ... for Pyros reunited for the first time in 26 years to play at the Welcome to Rockville festival.
Disagreements Within Jane's Addiction
On September 13, 2024, a Jane's Addiction concert in Boston ended early after a serious disagreement on stage between Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro. The band canceled the rest of their tour. The other members said the cancellation was due to Farrell's behavior, while Farrell apologized for his actions.
On July 16, 2025, the other members of Jane's Addiction filed a lawsuit against Farrell. They claimed the band lost over $10 million because the tour was canceled. A few hours later, Farrell filed his own lawsuit against his bandmates. He claimed they were harassing him during performances.
Lollapalooza
In 1991, Farrell created Lollapalooza as a farewell tour for Jane's Addiction. It became a huge cultural event for fans of alternative music. The festival showcases many different types of music and art. Lollapalooza has also been a platform for social and environmental causes. Today, the festival takes place in Chicago and in seven other countries, including Chile, Brazil, and Germany.
Kidzapalooza
In 2005, a family-friendly stage called Kidzapalooza was added to Lollapalooza. It was created by music producer Tor Hyams and features music and activities for children. Famous musicians like Slash and Patti Smith have performed there.
Work Outside Music
Farrell has been involved in many causes. He joined musician Tom Morello to raise money for homeless people in Los Angeles. They also helped clean up New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Farrell is also an environmentalist. In 2007, he met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to talk about global warming. He has also worked with the organization Global Cool to encourage people to live in a more environmentally friendly way.
Personal Life
Farrell is married to Etty Lau Farrell, who was a dancer on a Jane's Addiction tour in 1997. They got married in 2002 and have two children together. Farrell also has another child from a previous relationship.
Images for kids
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Perry Farrell performs with ... for Pyros on March 10, 2024 at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ.
Discography
Psi Com
- 1985 Psi Com EP
Jane's Addiction
- 1987 Jane's Addiction
- 1988 Nothing's Shocking
- 1990 Ritual de lo Habitual
- 1997 Kettle Whistle
- 2003 Strays
- 2006 Up from the Catacombs
- 2011 The Great Escape Artist
... for Pyros
- 1993 ... for Pyros
- 1996 Good God's Urge
Solo
- 1999 Rev (Compilation)
- 2001 Song Yet to Be Sung
- 2019 Kind Heaven
Satellite Party
- 2007 Ultra Payloaded
